These Easy Crowd Cheesecake Parfaits are creamy, sweet, and absolutely irresistible. With a buttery graham cracker base, luscious cheesecake filling, and a juicy cherry topping, they look elegant but are surprisingly simple to prepare. Best of all, they’re completely no-bake, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, or gatherings when you need a crowd-pleasing dessert in a hurry.
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Easy Crowd Cheesecake Parfaits (No-Bake Dessert Cups)
Creamy cheesecake parfaits layered with graham cracker crumbs and cherry topping. A no-bake dessert that’s perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 cups
Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup melted butter
2 tbsp sugar
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups whipped topping (or whipped cream)
2 cups cherry pie filling (or fresh cherry compote)
Fresh cherries (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until crumbly and set aside.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Fold in whipped topping until creamy and fluffy.
Assemble parfaits in clear cups: layer crumbs, cheesecake filling, and cherry topping. Repeat layers if desired.
Top with extra crumbs and garnish with a fresh cherry. Chill until ready to serve.
Notes
Use softened cream cheese for smooth filling. Assemble just before serving for best texture. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-bake and stress-free ready in just 20 minutes.
- Easy to scale up for parties and gatherings.
- Creamy cheesecake flavor without baking a whole cake.
- Customizable with different fruits or toppings.
- Pretty presentation in cups makes serving simple and fun.
Tools and Preparation
- Mixing Bowls: One for crumbs, one for filling.
- Electric Mixer or Hand Whisk: To whip the cream cheese filling until smooth.
- Spatula: For folding in whipped topping.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: To get the right balance of ingredients.
- Clear Cups or Jars: For layering parfaits beautifully.
These tools make assembly quick and ensure a creamy, fluffy texture.
Ingredients
Crust Layer:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups whipped topping (or whipped cream)
Topping:
- 2 cups cherry pie filling (or fresh cherry compote)
- Fresh cherries (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Easy Crowd Cheesecake Parfaits
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until crumbly and well coated. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gently fold in whipped topping with a spatula until creamy and airy.
- Assemble parfaits in clear cups or jars:
- Start with a spoonful of crumb mixture.
- Add a layer of cheesecake filling.
- Top with cherry pie filling.
- Repeat layers if desired.
- Finish with a sprinkle of crumbs and garnish with a fresh cherry.
- Chill until ready to serve.
How to Serve Easy Crowd Cheesecake Parfaits
- Serve chilled straight from the fridge for a refreshing dessert.
- Garnish with fresh mint for a pop of color.
- Swap cherries for blueberries, strawberries, or mango for variety.
- Serve in mini shot glasses for bite-sized party treats.
- Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel for extra indulgence.
Tips for Success
- Use softened cream cheese for the smoothest filling.
- Fold whipped topping gently to keep filling light and fluffy.
- Assemble parfaits just before serving to prevent soggy crumbs.
- Use clear cups for the prettiest layered presentation.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld together.
Best Side Dishes
- Fresh fruit salad for a lighter pairing.
- Coffee or tea to balance sweetness.
- Savory finger foods like cheese boards for a party spread.
- Sparkling water or lemonade for a refreshing touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbeating cream cheese: Can make the filling too dense.
- Adding whipped topping too fast: Fold gently for fluffiness.
- Not chilling before serving: Cold makes the parfaits firmer and tastier.
- Skipping butter in crumbs: It binds the crust together.
- Using too much fruit topping: Can overpower the cheesecake flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store assembled parfaits in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cover cups with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as whipped topping doesn’t freeze well.
- Reheating: Not applicable these are served cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes. Freshly whipped cream makes the filling even richer.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble up to 24 hours in advance. Add final garnishes right before serving.
What if I don’t like cherries?
Swap with any pie filling or fresh fruit compote you love.
Can I make them sugar-free?
Yes. Use a sugar substitute and sugar-free whipped topping.
What size cups work best?
8-ounce clear plastic or glass cups are perfect for single servings.
Final Thoughts
Easy Crowd Cheesecake Parfaits are the ultimate no-fuss dessert for any event. With creamy cheesecake layers, crunchy graham cracker crumbs, and juicy cherry topping, they’re a guaranteed hit. Elegant enough for holidays and effortless enough for casual get-togethers, these parfaits prove that sometimes the simplest desserts are the most delicious.